Faculty of Philosophy Semitic Studies – Master
Semitic studies involves linguistic research of the Semitic languages, from the first written records of these languages dated 2600 BC, to the present day. The area in which these languages are spoken extends across three continents, ranging from the Atlantic in the West to Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in the East, and from the Mediterranean to Ethiopia.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Master of Arts |
| Type of programme | Consecutive |
| Start of programme | Winter and summer semester |
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | German |
| Fees and contributions | 151.05 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Consecutive master’s programmes with access restriction |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
| Part-time option | Yes |
| May be studied as a minor subject | Yes |
Course Content
The focus of the Master’s degree programme in Semitic Studies depends largely on the existing knowledge and needs of the individual student. Students who already have a solid grasp of Arabic for example, further this knowledge in main seminars focussing on selected topics in the field of Arabic dialectology, and develop solid fundamental knowledge of Aramaic. The course might look quite different for students without such existing knowledge. An additional, important element of the course is the research seminar, in which students work together to develop and further their knowledge of issues and methods within the field of Semitic studies.
It is mandatory to choose a minor in combination with this Master programme. For further information please refer to the Examination Rules and Regulations.
Course Structure
The degree programme consists in the following modules:
- Advanced seminars which build on the language skills and knowledge gained in the Bachelor’s degree programme.
- Continued study of Semitic languages: Arabic and Aramaic are central languages of study. Where it is studied as a minor subject, students attend language seminars or language courses in either Arabic or Aramaic throughout the degree programme. Where it is studied as a major subject, students attend language seminars or courses for both languages.
- Students also attend seminars focussing on selected topics in the field of Semitic studies, Arabic and/or Aramaic Dialectology, and research.
- Master’s examination and thesis
Prospective students with or without existing knowledge of a Semitic language may select Semitic studies as a minor subject as part of a another Master’s degree programme. They will either gain basic knowledge of spoken Arabic or Syriac, or further develop existing knowledge.
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